Crankcase oil separation for high pressure reciprocating compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating compressors face issues with oil mist leaking from the crankcase to the suction chamber, leading to oil loss and contamination of the refrigeration system, which is costly and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An oil separation assembly is introduced, featuring demisting structures on both sides of the partition member's openings to capture and coalesce oil droplets, with securing structures to maintain their position and prevent large droplets from passing through, ensuring oil is returned to the crankcase and maintaining pressure equilibrium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If pressure equalizer holes are used to drain oil from the suction chamber, then oil drainage is improved, but oil mist is carried back into the suction chamber causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A demisting structure is introduced as an intermediary component at the pressure equalizer opening. This structure acts as a mediator between the crankcase chamber and suction chamber, allowing pressure equalization while intercepting and separating oil mist before it can contaminate the suction chamber. The demisting structure captures oil droplets and returns them to the crankcase, preventing oil loss and contamination simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If demisting structures are added to prevent oil mist passage, then oil contamination is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The demisting structure utilizes porous materials or mesh configurations that provide effective oil mist separation while maintaining a relatively simple geometric form. The porous structure allows gas passage while capturing oil droplets through surface tension and capillary effects, achieving contamination prevention without requiring complex mechanical components or multiple stages of separation.
3Reliability
If securing structures are used to position demisting structures, then oil separation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing structure is merged with the demisting structure as an integrated assembly rather than a separate component. The demisting structure is designed with built-in mounting features such as flanges, clips, or interference-fit elements that allow direct attachment to the partition member or pressure equalizer housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate securing hardware and simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process while maintaining reliable positioning of the demisting structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The assembly effectively reduces oil loss and contamination by returning oil to the crankcase, maintaining pressure balance, and limiting oil mist passage, thereby decreasing operational costs and enhancing compressor efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
demisting structures on both sides of the partition member's openings to capture and coalesce oil droplets
Implementation Method 2
oil droplets are sprayed about the crankcase chamber and eventually drain into the oil sump
Data Source
AI summary
An oil separation assembly for use in a high pressure reciprocating compressor is provided. The compressor includes a suction chamber, a crankcase chamber, and at least one partition member at least partially separating the suction chamber and the crankcase chamber. The at least one partition member includes at least one opening. The oil separation assembly can include at least one demisting structure positioned within the crankcase chamber adjacent the at least one partition member at the at least one opening. At least one securing structure can be secured in operable relation with the at least one demisting structure so as to secure the at least one demisting structure relative to the opening. The oil separation assembly can further include a second demisting structure positioned within the suction chamber adjacent the at least one partition member at the at least one opening.